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Get ready for an action-packed MMA weekend that promises to deliver an unforgettable lineup of fights. Despite facing some unexpected hurdles, this weekend's card has transformed into something truly spectacular. Two late pull-outs in the UFC threatened to derail the event, but we believe it has only improved with Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and former Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman stepping up on short notice, even moving up a weight class to make it happen! In addition to the UFC.

So, get ready to witness some jaw-dropping moves in the octagon and more twists and turns than a sitcom plot – it's an incredible weekend of mixed martial arts action you won't want to miss!

UFC 294 🥊🤼

The upcoming weekend's fight card faced an uncertain future last week when Brazilians Paulo Costa and Charles Oliveira were forced to withdraw. Costa's battle with a stubborn staph infection and Oliveira's facial injury sustained during sparring made them unable to compete this Saturday. However, our hopes were reignited by the incredible sportsmanship of Alexander Volkanovski, who stepped up to grant us the highly anticipated rematch against lightweight king Islam Makhachev. Not to be outdone, Kamaru Usman also made a bold move by stepping up to the middleweight division to face the formidable Khamzat Chimaev.

It seems like even staph infections and unexpected injuries couldn't stop the MMA drama, but these fighters sure know how to keep us on our toes! With these thrilling developments, this event is set to ignite the octagon, so let's dive into the analysis with our fingers crossed for no more last-minute surprises!

Let's jump into the main event with a nod to one of the many Russian fighters gracing this card. Get ready for the clash between Ikram Aliskerov (14-1) and Warlley Alves (14-6), a bout that almost felt like it needed a GPS to find its way due to the twists and turns. Aliskerov's original opponent had to tap out due to visa issues, but thanks to some fight card fairy dust, the bout is back on!

Ikram Aliskerov has been scorching hot in his MMA career, with his only loss coincidentally coming against the co-main event superstar, Khamzat Chimaev, back in 2018. You can bet your bottom dollar that Aliskerov is itching for a rematch. In his last outing, he proved to be as strong as a Russian bear in a 1st round demolition of Phil Hawes, making it clear that he's no pushover in the octagon.

Now, stepping up on short notice is the Brazilian UFC veteran, Warlley Alves. Since his debut in 2014, he's scalped some big names in the sport, including Colby Covington. But lately, his form has been about as consistent as the British weather – with three losses in his last five and a two-fight losing streak. This fight feels like his last shot at the UFC, and he's diving headfirst into the deep end, given his formidable opponent.

With Aliskerov's substantial reach advantage, He'll likely use it to showcase his striking skills, just as he did in his last performance. So, here's a prediction for you The Cage Chronicle's team foresees a round 1 knockout win for the Russian Ikram Aliskerov, and if you're a betting person, you might want to put your money on this Russian.

Get ready, fight fans! We've got a match between Russia's Magomed Ankalaev (17-1) and Brazil's Johnny Walker (21-7) in the light heavyweight division. This one's like a golden ticket to the chocolate factory – the winner could be the next contender for the 205 lbs title!

Ankalaev is on a mission after a puzzling draw with Jan Blachowicz in his last bout, Is hungrier than a fat kid eyeing the last piece of pizza. His opponent? Johnny Walker, the Brazilian dynamo, who's riding a wave of three consecutive victories, including a win over Anthony Smith. Ankalaev's MMA journey has had more ups than downs but with one loss, a last-second submission by Scottish Ju-Jitsu specialist Paul Craig. After that, he went on a tear, stacking up a nine-fight win streak in the UFC.

Ankalaev's striking game is so precise; it's like he's threading a needle. But he's up against the unpredictable Johnny Walker, who was once the UFC's golden boy and recently made a strong comeback with a three-win streak, including a win over the #8 light heavyweight, Anthony Smith. Walker is a giant in the division, standing at 6'5" or 6'6" (depends on who you ask) with an impressive 82-inch reach – he's like a skyscraper who decided to step into the octagon.

For Walker to secure the win, he needs to come out strong, use his reach advantage, and keep Ankalaev at arm's length. But Ankalaev's secret weapon is patience, using his body kicks to slow down Walker's charge.

Despite Walker's physical prowess, we're betting on Ankalaev to weather the early storm and use his array of kicks to keep Walker at bay. Our prediction at The Cage Chronicle? A decision victory for the Russian powerhouse, Magomed Ankalaev. Get ready for a thrilling showdown in the octagon!

Coming up next is the co-main event that nearly slipped on a banana peel! Originally, we had Khamzat Chimaev set to dance with Brazilian powerhouse Paulo Costa, but Costa's elbow had other plans, thanks to a nasty staph infection. No worries, though, we've got a new and exciting matchup on our hands with the Swedish marvel, Khamzat Chimaev (12-0), squaring off against former welterweight champ Kamaru Usman (20-3). This fight promises to be an instant classic!

Chimaev, with his impressive 6-fight win streak in the UFC, had some "weighty" issues down at welterweight. So, he decided to pack his bags and head up to middleweight, hoping to add to his winning streak. But here he is, facing none other than Kamaru Usman. Even though Usman is coming off two losses to current welterweight champ Leon Edwards, he's still a force to be reckoned with. With his top-notch defensive wrestling and cardio that just won't quit, we're in for a real treat.

Given that both fighters have a background in wrestling, we're expecting this battle to turn into a stand-up showdown. Neither Chimaev nor Usman is known for their striking prowess, but you better believe they'll be swinging for the fences, trying to land a knockout.

Now, for The Cage Chronicle's prediction: we foresee Chimaev coming out of the gate like a cannonball, while Usman tends to take his time, strolling through the park, keeping Khamzat busy with his strong jab, If Chimaev doesn't seize the opportunity during Usman's leisurely start, his tendency to tire out as the fight goes on could come back to haunt him. We think that Usman could utilise the clinch to get over the high energy start from Khamzat. In the end, we predict a victory for the "Nigerian Nightmare," Kamaru Usman. Even on just 9 days' notice, Usman's always in tip-top shape. Our bet? It'll be a decision win for Usman in what's sure to be a captivating showdown. Get ready to be entertained, fight fans!

Now, onto the main event, which almost slipped through our fingers due to Charles Oliveira's sparring mishap. But fear not, fight fans, because we've got the highly-anticipated rematch between Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski (26-2) and the reigning Lightweight king, Islam Makhachev (24-1). If their last showdown is any indication, this one promises to be a fireworks display, just like a New Year's Eve celebration.

Back in February, these two warriors delivered a five-round classic, leaving fans divided on who won. Many believed Volkanovski had the edge, but Islam ultimately retained his title. The big question now is, will the story be the same in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night?

Alexander Volkanovski has been an absolute force in the Featherweight division since his 2016 debut. Now, on just 10 days' notice, he's setting his sights on becoming a two-weight champ. But standing across from him is the equally dominant Islam Makhachev, who's only tasted defeat once, against Adriano Martins back in 2015, a shocker that reverberated through the MMA world.

With Islam Makhachev enjoying the size and weight advantage, he'll likely aim to maintain distance with jabs, teeps, and his southpaw roundhouse kick to disrupt Volkanovski's boxing game. Look for knees and uppercuts when Volkanovski steps inside his range. On the flip side, Volkanovski knows he's not on the same level as Islam on the ground. So, he'll be looking to chop away at Islam's legs with low kicks to deter those takedown attempts. Expect Volk to fake movements to secure the outside foot position and conclude his boxing combinations with a low kick, throwing a wrench in Islam's takedown plans.

But that's not all – we believe Volkanovski may also employ some clinch work to wear down Islam. In their previous encounter, we witnessed Islam's gas tank running on empty by the end of the fight, while Volkanovski appeared as if he could keep going. This matchup is a tantalizing puzzle with no clear answer, just like a game of chess between grandmasters.

For The Cage Chronicle's prediction, we're leaning towards the current champ, Islam Makhachev. But we won’t be surprised if Volk pulls off the victory!

The stage has been set for UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, lets just hope there is no more pullouts over the next few days as its looking HOT,with that being said that concludes this edition of the Cage Chronicle’s! until next time, stay tuned for more hard-hitting news with a healthy dose of humour. remember its not the size of the cage that matters, its the size of the beer at the concession stand that truly counts. Cheers! 🍻